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Cinco de Mayo Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Favorite Mexican Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

By , About.com Guide

You don't have to be Mexican to enjoy the fun, food and festivities of Cinco de Mayo. The holiday (which literally translates to "May 5"), commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over French forces in the battle of Puebla in 1862. Try these fantastic Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo -- or anytime you want good Mexican food.

Mexican Quesadillas

Mexican QuesadillasStephanie Gallagher

With just five ingredients, these quesadillas are super simple to prepare. And they're ready in a flash. Serve these quesadillas with homemade tomato salsa.

Guacamole Recipe

GuacamoleGetty Images/Stockbyte

This yummy guacamole recipe is something you can make every time you serve Mexican food. Cool and refreshing, this guacamole is made with fresh cilantro and lime juice.

 

7 Layer Dip Recipe

7 Layer DipStephanie Gallagher

This 7 layer dip is always a crowd-pleaser. It makes a perfect appetizer with tortilla chips for Cinco de Mayo or any party.

 

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken EnchiladasLeigh Beisch/Getty Images

These chicken enchiladas are every bit as tasty as the ones at your favorite Mexican restaurant. And they are so easy to make. The best part is you can make this recipe in advance and just reheat when you're ready to serve.

 

Steak Fajitas

Steak FajitasStephanie Gallagher
These sizzling steak fajitas are fun to serve for Cinco de Mayo or anytime. Flank steak is marinated then cooked with onions and peppers for this slightly spicy Mexican favorite.

Mexican Chicken Salad

Mexican Chicken SaladStephanie Gallagher

Black beans, corn and tortilla strips add great flavor to this salad. The peanut-lime dressing makes this Mexican chicken salad appealing to kids.

Beef Tacos

Beef TacosStephanie Gallagher

Beef tacos are one of those fun Mexican recipes that's perfect for kids, because they can make their own tacos themselves. This beef tacos recipe doesn't use any packaged seasoning mixes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you like.

 

Cornbread

CornbreadStephanie Gallagher

This is a sweet, cake-like cornbread recipe that pairs beautifully with the light spiciness of these Cinco de Mayo recipes. It makes a great side dish for chili.

 

Chocolate Mexican Wedding Cookies

Chocolate Mexican Wedding CookiesStephanie Gallagher

Mexican wedding cookies aren't normally made with chocolate. But I figured, hey, why not up the flavor ante a bit? The butter sweet texture of these weddding cookies will melt in your mouth. They make a perfect end to a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

 

Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches CakeStephanie Gallagher

Moist and tender, this tres leches cake is a real treat. Sliced fresh strawberries make a perfect topping for this cake.

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